초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for generating microbubbles in a flowing liquid stream for use in a froth flotation system. The system utilizes a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end. Located coaxially within the housing is an inner member with an elongated, tape

A method and apparatus for generating microbubbles in a flowing liquid stream for use in a froth flotation system. The system utilizes a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end. Located coaxially within the housing is an inner member with an elongated, tapered, exterior surface. A porous tubular sleeve is mounted between the housing and the inner member coaxially therewith to define with the cylindrical interior surface of the housing an elongated air chamber of annular cross section. The porous sleeve has a cylindrical inner surface that defines with the exterior surface of the inner member an elongated liquid flow chamber of thin, annular cross section. An aqueous liquid is supplied to the liquid flow chamber at a relatively high flow rate and air under pressure is supplied to the air chamber so that air is forced radially inwardly through the porous sleeve to be diffused in the form of microbubbles in the flowing stream.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for supplying a mixture of gaseous bubbles and liquid for use in a froth flotation system that includes a vessel containing a froth flotation column, said apparatus comprising: a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end; a coaxial inner member l

An apparatus for supplying a mixture of gaseous bubbles and liquid for use in a froth flotation system that includes a vessel containing a froth flotation column, said apparatus comprising: a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end; a coaxial inner member located within said housing and having an elongated tapered exterior surface that diminishes in section from the inlet end to the outlet end; a porous tubular sleeve mounted between said housing and said inner member and coaxial therewith, said sleeve having an outer surface that defines with said housing an elongated gas chamber of annular cross section and an inner surface that defines said exterior surface of said inner member an elongated liquid flow chamber of annular cross section that increases progressively from said inlet end to said outlet end; means for supplying an aqueous liquid to said flow chamber; means for supplying gas under pressure to said gas chamber whereby gas is forced radially inwardly through said porous sleeve and is diffused in the form of microbubbles in said flowing stream so that an aqueous liquid infused with air is discharged from the outlet end of said flow chamber; and distributor means at the outlet end of said flow chamber and defining an enclosed transition chamber with an inlet end and an outlet end wherein the flow is divided from a single flow passage at the inlet end into a plurality of separate flow passages at the outlet end thereof, the cross-sectional area of the transition chamber decreasing slightly from the inlet end to the outlet end; and a plurality of flexible tubes, one for each of said separate flow passages for conveying said fluid mixture to the interior of said flotation column, the open discharge ends of said tubes being free to flex in an oscillating fashion as the air-infused mixture is discharged therefrom into the flotation column.